The United States has decided to ban new foreign-made consumer internet routers, citing growing national security concerns over cyber vulnerabilities and potential espionage risks.
The decision announced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adds consumer routers manufactured outside the United States to the list of restricted devices, placing them alongside foreign-made drones that were banned last year.
The step does not affect routers already in use, but applies to all new device models that come onto the market. Any router manufactured abroad now requires express approval before it can be imported, marketed or sold in the United States.
Regulators say the decision reflects mounting evidence that Internet routers, which are at the heart of home and corporate networks, have become a key entry point for cyberattacks.
“Malicious actors have exploited vulnerabilities in foreign-made routers to attack American homes, disrupt networks, enable espionage, and facilitate the theft of intellectual property,” the FCC said.
The agency pointed to a series of cyber incidents between 2024 and 2025, known as the Volt, Flax and Salt Typhoon, in which compromised network devices were allegedly used to attack US infrastructure. Investigations by US authorities have linked the attacks to actors linked to the Chinese government.
Under the new framework, manufacturers that produce routers outside the United States must apply for conditional approval. This process requires companies to disclose foreign ownership or influence and outline plans to move production to the United States.
Exceptions may be granted in limited cases when the equipment has been cleared by national security agencies such as the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security, although specific devices have not yet been approved.
The ban applies regardless of where a product is developed, meaning it also affects U.S.-based brands that produce abroad.
The decision has significant implications for the global electronics supply chain. The vast majority of consumer routers are currently manufactured outside the United States, particularly in China and Taiwan.
Popular brands like TP-Link, a major global player, have already come under scrutiny due to concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Even U.S. companies like Netgear that produce abroad may need to adjust their supply chains to comply with the new rules.
One notable exception is SpaceX’s Starlink service Wi-Fi router, which the company says is manufactured in Texas.
The move is the latest in a broader U.S. effort to reduce reliance on foreign-made technology considered crucial to national infrastructure. It reflects a growing emphasis on supply chain security and domestic production, particularly in sectors linked to communications, defense and data.
Analysts say the policy could accelerate a broader decoupling of global technology markets as governments increasingly prioritize security over cost efficiency.
For consumers and businesses, the immediate impact may be limited, but over time the change could impact pricing, availability and innovation in networking devices.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the U.S. government’s message is clear: devices that form the core of digital infrastructure are now considered strategic assets, and their provenance matters.
